‘I never think about taking five or six wickets’

Bangladesh's new entrant Mehedi Hasan, who earlier today became only the second off-spinner in Tests to take five-wicket hauls in his first two Tests, has said that he never expects to take five-wicket hauls, but hopes to put in at least an 'average performance' in each of his games.

"Obviously it feels good to take two five-wicket hauls in the first two games. But honestly speaking, I never think about taking five or six wickets at the start of the game.

"I try to put in an average performance and by the grace of God it has worked well so far," said the off-spinner after the second day's play today.

While Mehedi might have used the word 'average', what he was probably trying to say was that he always hopes to give his best and perform as he would generally perform without thinking about the numbers.

Despite the fall of 23 wickets in the first two days, Mehedi reckons that the pitch still has something in it for the batsmen.

"If you look at the way our batters batted, you can tell that there is something in it if you are focused. I am sure the batters will hope to post as big a total as possible," said Mehedi.

England pacer Chris Woakes also spoke to reporters after the day's play today and said that the visitors hope to restrict the target to below 250.

"We have our fingers crossed. But if we can get a few wickets and get into Bangladesh's tail it will be good for us," said Woakes after the match.